Think those 27 grams of sugars come from the cherries? Think again: After milk, sugar’s the first ingredient on this list. And there’s as much of it in there as there is in a Kit Kat. Choose a Fage yogurt instead, which makes their flavored versions that much more tempting by blending in more fruit than sugar.

Don’t fall for the label braggadocio. For as calorie dense as this bread is, there’s just not enough fiber to justify it in your diet. Look for this unsuspecting potato bread, instead, which is one of the best loaves on the shelf. In addition to a boast-worthy fiber load that doubles that of Arnold Whole Grains Health Nut, it also packs an impressive 12 grams of protein.

This recipe is augmented with a gob of sugar, which adds unnecessary calories to the can. 100% juice is the best you can hope for—it means you eat only real fruit and their juices. After all, why pay full price for anything less than 100%?

Granola, for all its good reputation, is usually weighed down by a deluge of added sugars. It’s the caloric equivalent of 8 chicken wings—and, for the same amount of sugar, you could have a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles more than twice the size. Even scarier, with the Cocoa Pebbles, you’d get more fiber and save about 60 calories in fat.

With refined flour on the outside and high-fructose corn syrup on the inside, these cereal bars are only healthy in theory. Not all Nutri-Grain products are equally unsavory, however. Choose the Nutri-Grain fruit and nut bars for more of the good stuff, and less of the bad.

This “guacamole” dip is comprised of less than 2 percent avocado; the rest of the green goo is a cluster of fillers and chemicals, including modified food starch, soybean oils, locust bean gum, and food coloring. Dean’s isn’t alone in this guacamole caper; most guacs with the word “dip” attached to them suffer from a lack of avocado.

Stick margarine is the absolute worst. To make it solid, it has to be stabilized with partially hydrogenated oils, the source of trans fat. Instead, choose the lower-calorie Organic Valley Whipped Butter, which only has two ingredients: sweet cream and salt.

This drink packs 30.5 grams of protein, but is that really worth the sugar and calories? It’s the sugar equivalent of 5 Breyers Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches, and you’d need to lift weights for 135 minutes—over two hours—to burn off those calories.

Tofutti claims “no butterfat” and “no cholesterol,” and both are technically true, but they paint a false sense of security in the person looking for a healthy indulgence. Ignore front label claims (Tofutti is not made with dairy, so by definition it can’t have butterfat or cholesterol) and flip the package for the straight scoop; here you’ll see that this ice cream substitute still has as much sugar and fat per serving as most regular ice creams.

My Other Blogs

Kim

This blog is a look at life through my eyes: a woman trying to lose weight (weight loss surgery and no Trim Healthy Mama), MoyaMoya survivor (2 brain surgeries in summer 2014), infertility survivor, adoptive mother, homeschooler, Christian, and a woman on an amazing spiritual journey. Our incredible journey of faith led us to the adoption of our son in April '10... but also to a miracle pregnancy!

John

My partner in crime... and partner in life. A wonderful husband, provider, support system, and father. Loves Texas A&M football (okay, all sports), The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, fishing, gardening, cooking, and hanging out with his family.

James

Our son born in April '10, loves getting into everything - climbing - running - and has a great time doing it! James is always on the go and loves to be outside!

Tyler

Our son born in October '10... is also into everything! Tyler loves reading as much as climbing, and would sit most days and read with you all day long. He also loves to snuggle.

Allie

This lazy girl joined our family in 2012. She was an anniversary present for me, when John found her and adopted her. She is extremely patient with the boys, and we get a lot of joy & laughter at her expense.

Dixie

This wild child joined our family in 2013 after losing our Boston Terrier, Missy, at 15 years old. She was a stubborn ball of energy at first, but now she just lays around and snores.